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Trade-off between processability and device performance in donor-acceptor semiconductors revealed using discrete
Bart W L van den Bersselaar1, Elisabeth H W Cattenstart1, Kavinraaj Ella Elangovan2
1Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P.O. Box 513 5600MB Eindhoven The Netherlands.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. C
|May 13, 2024
Summary
Researchers explored how adding branched siloxane side chains to donor-acceptor polymers improves solubility for electronic skin applications. However, this modification significantly reduced charge carrier mobility in the organic semiconductors.
Area of Science:
- Organic electronics
- Polymer science
- Materials chemistry
Background:
- Donor-acceptor polymers are vital for advanced applications like electronic skin mimics.
- Solubility and processability of these polymers are critical and influenced by side chain engineering.
- The effect of novel side chains on polymer backbone orientation and device properties requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of linear and branched oligodimethylsiloxane (oDMS) side chains on the solubility and device performance of diketopyrrolopyrrole-thienothiophene (PDPPTT) polymers.
- To understand how side chain architecture affects polymer phase separation and charge transport.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PDPPTT polymers functionalized with various oDMS side chains (PDPPTT-Si).
- Evaluation of polymer solubility in benign solvents.
- Characterization of polymer thin films, including lamellar domain formation.
- Measurement of charge carrier mobility in fabricated organic semiconductor devices.
Main Results:
- Branched oDMS side chains significantly enhanced polymer solubility due to increased backbone distortion.
- Functionalization with long and/or branched siloxane side chains led to a decrease in charge carrier mobility by an order of magnitude.
- Phase separation into lamellar domains was observed in the modified polymers.
Conclusions:
- Side chain engineering with branched siloxanes improves the processability of organic semiconductors.
- There is an inverse relationship between enhanced solubility and charge carrier mobility in these materials.
- Optimizing side chain structure is crucial for balancing processability and performance in next-generation organic electronic devices.
